GEAR
BUYING USED
CASH SAVERS BAG A CAMERA BARGAIN
With escalating costs and clients tightening their belts, make your equipment spending go as far as possible WORDS ADAM DUCKWORTH
T o save real money on your next equipment purchase, it’s wise to look at the second-hand market for any major item. Going used means there is a huge choice, from older-generation gear to almost-new models. All afford significant savings over box-fresh, which is great news in these tough financial times. Everyone would like the latest 8K camera, but it’s important to buy what you need, rather than what you’d like if money were no object. A previous-generation model could offer everything you want – and doesn’t lose the capability of shooting great footage, just because there’s a newer version out there. Plus, you
avoid the big depreciation the initial buyers will have suffered.
supposed to be, or might be faulty. Paying by Paypal or credit card gives some degree of safety in case your purchase doesn’t show up, is broken or has even been stolen. But if it fails on a shoot that can’t be repeated – in front of clients – it’s hardly been a worthwhile exercise. That’s why it’s advisable to go via a reputable dealer, who should offer some guarantee and will have
REAL DEAL A Fujifilm X-H1 and matching cine lenses are top pre-loved bargains (top)
How to buy used If you don’t mind gambling with your business and reputation, then check out private sales online, from places like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist or social media groups. You could bag a bargain, or get left with a product that’s not what it was
“A previous-generation model could offer everything you want and doesn’t lose the capability of shooting great footage”
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